The Big Island - Thurston Lava Tube & Queen's Bath

Hi everyone,

While we were at Volcanoes National Park we were able to walk through an actual lava tube. It was discovered in 1913 and has been open to the public since then. All the cool stalactites have been taken as souvenirs so we didn't get a chance to see those, but the tube was neat. The first 600 feet are lit so it was kind of like walking down a dim, cold hallway made out of rock. But there is also an unlit portion that is 334 meters long. All we had were little key chain lights that Alex and Sheila had brought but they actually worked really well. Mom could tell I was a little nervous because I really didn't say a whole lot in this section and when she asked me questions I was very straight forward and to the point. It was amazing how much cooler it was in the lava tube than outside. Doesn't that sound strange, cooler inside the lava tube? But it's true. When you came up out of it the air almost seemed stifling because it was hot and humid.   

We also visited the Queen's Bath. Interesting name, huh? This was also a lava tube but it was filled with fresh water. It was amazingly clear and super COLD! We all jumped in and Mom and Dad were able to snorkel into the cave to look at the neat rock formations on the floor. It was a very awesome experience! You'll have to see if you can zoom in on my face when Dad is putting me in the water.

And, some neat hieroglyphics we were shown after our refreshing swim!

Until next time . . .

The Big Island - Volcano

Hi everyone,

Is it possible to visit the Big Island and not head up to the volcano? I'm thinking the answer is no. It's kind of one of those "must do" things.  I am still amazed that you can drive right up to the rim of the crater at Kilueau and hike along the rim to the observatory. 

This next photos is my handy work. What do you think? I got the vent, the crater, the rim, and mom and dad at a nice angle. I think photography is definitely in my future!

Until next time . . .

The Big Island - Lava and Black Sand Beach

Hi everyone,

There is A LOT of lava on the Big Island! Just about everywhere we went we were able to see huge fields and formations of lava that had hardened long ago. We weren't able to see any streams of hot, bubbly, molten lava oozing it's way down the hillside, and I have to admit I was a bit disappointed by that. It was kind of a let down to hike to "the spot" only to be told that we couldn't get any closer and the view from the car would have been just as good. But, oh well.

 
This black sand beach is where we saw our first turtle! Can you see him there in the bottom photo? He is almost in the center and you can just see his shell sticking out of the water. He was nibbling on the algae that grows on the rocks. I really wanted to get closer and pet him but Mom and Dad wouldn't let me. Bummer!

Until next time . . .

The Big Island

Hi everyone,

Sorry it has taken me so long to post about our second trip to Hawaii. Between coming home and getting back into the swing of things, Mom catching up on laundry, and both Mom and Dad filling out job applications it has been pretty busy around here. Mom was finally able to go through our Hawaii pictures, all 267 of them, and weed out the ones that we wanted to keep. I think I'll post this Hawaii trip like our last one, where I try to do a new post every couple of days. Beware, there will be a lot of pictures, but as you know, a picture is worth a thousand words so you'll probably be thanking me in the end!

When we flew over the island we were a little worried because it looked pretty desolate. Oahu really doesn't have any lava fields like Hawaii so it is definitely a different topography. We were very excited to see our condo though! This was our view standing on the lanai.

After getting stocked up on our groceries we were able to check out our first beach. Again, it was amazing the difference in the coastline between Oahu and Hawaii. Hawaii is a newer island so it has a more rocky coastline. While mom soaked up the shade, we all went for a walk exploring the tide pools and the water's edge.

And, since we started with a gorgeous view from our room, I'll leave you with a view of the beautiful Kailua-Kona sunset!

Until next time . . .

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, How Does Your Garden Grow?

Hi everyone,

My garden doesn't have silver bells and cockle shells but it is growing great! It is astounding how much our plants grow each day. Our squash look like monster plants and we actually have at least one growing of each variety of fruit or veggie we planted. It has been such an amazing thing to plant, water, watch grow, and harvest food from our own dirt. Here is kind of a time lapse glance at our growing garden!

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The last picture is of our garden right before Dad started hacking away at the tomatoes and the squash to shed some light on the other plants below. I think we may have to make some more room for our garden next year!

Until next time . . .